Electric Wheelchair Future Technology

The Massachusettes Institute of Technology (MIT) has recently invented a self-navigating electric wheelchair. But this is no ordinary electric wheelchair that operates through GPS because is uses the latest Wi-Fi technology that can also be used indoors. To operate this device, it has a microphone and screen for visual and audio input options to make it easier to use. According to its one of its developers Nicolas Roy, the Wi-Fi operated wheelchair can learn and adapt to its user through voice recognition. Since it can be used indoors, it will be able to identify a certain building, as to where the user has to go even on the first “orientation.” 

For its initial test, there were 100 patients with multiple sclerosis and brain diseases at a Boston Home in Dorchester who tried out this system. Other considerations for improvement are still studied at MIT by other scientists involved in this project that uses Wi-Fi like side-field cameras and laser range finders setup with computers to create an internal map around the environment as the user moves around, even outdoors. Roy also thought about adding collision-avoidance system that uses detectors for the wheelchair to refrain from bumping into walls and other wheelchairs, as well as other obstacles.

Another MIT scientist involved in this project, Seth Teller says, he is thinking about adding mechanical arms on the chairs for more use by the patients to pick up and hold objects, including how to switch on a light or drink from a cup. Because of this system, the electric wheelchair becomes for personalized and customized to suit the needs of the user, taking note of the important places that where the patient goes on a daily basis.

This robotic wheelchair can be very useful for those who can’t use their hands to manipulate their wheelchair. Nokia and Microsoft have collaborated in funding for this research.